On Sunday 5 December, on the occasion of the first Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) engaged in a high intensity duel, which finally turned to the advantage of the Briton, winner in front of his rival. Next Sunday, for the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi, the two drivers, tied for the championship with 369.5 points, will compete for the world title. Between their number of victories, the experience factor, the dynamics and the specificity of the circuit, here are the five keys which will serve as arbiter for this final Hamilton-Verstappen final in Abu Dhabi.
Whatever the ending is next weekend in Abu Dhabi
2021 will always be remembered because of these two extraordinary drivers
Get ready for the final race week of a season like no other #HistoryAwaits @LewisHamilton @ Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/nlIVGnp7yj
– Formula 1 (@ F1) December 6, 2021
Victories: Verstappen advantage
Both have 369.5 points on their scoreboard but Max Verstappen has an advantage: his nine Grand Prix victories this year against the Hamilton eight. If one scores more points than the other on Sunday, he will be champion. But if they finish tied (if neither of them is in the Top 10, if they retire or if one finishes 9th and the other 10th with the best lap, i.e. 2 points each), the Dutchman will be crowned thanks to its total of victories. The victory acquired by Verstappen at the Belgian GP at Spa-Francorchamps on August 29 after only four laps behind the safety car will be very expensive.
The experience: the Hamilton advantage
On the one hand Lewis Hamilton, 36, sees an 8th F1 title, which would be an absolute record, one more than Michael Schumacher. “There are some things that are different (in this championship) “, he admits.”First, because the two teams (Mercedes and Red Bull) are incredibly close. Then because we are in uncharted waters: no one has ever won eight titles among drivers or manufacturers. But on the other hand, I’m more relaxed than ever “, he continues. “This is not the first time, I am more sure of myself and I am more involved than ever.“
Opposite, Max Verstappen, 24, is aiming for a first coronation. But, despite his young age, he wants to believe that his seven seasons in the category have taught him a thing or two. “I too feel much better prepared and more experienced than when I started out in F1. And no, I don’t think it makes a big difference. Otherwise, it would have already been seen during the season.“In 2020, he had given up five times (against a forfeit due to Covid in Hamilton). This year, ‘Mad Max’ has given up only twice (against once for the Briton).
Dynamics: Hamilton advantage
When the Red Bull rider won the US and Mexican Grands Prix in late October and early November, it looked like Hamilton was the end of it. Nineteen points separated the two men at the time. But the Briton, who has won three wins in the last three rounds (Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), has reversed the trend. However, if he won a masterful Grand Prix in Brazil despite an avalanche of penalties on the grid, if he dominated the head and shoulders that in Qatar, Saudi Arabia on Sunday was much more complicated and the Mercedes driver also owes his victory to Max Verstappen’s mistakes in qualifying and in the race. “Who will emerge victorious next weekend? I do not know”, comments Red Bull boss Christian Horner. “Form is on Mercedes’ side but Max Verstappen fought like a lion this weekend. He gave everything.“
Mistakes: Hamilton Advantage
When we look back on their clashes this season, the youngest made more mistakes. If Hamilton is responsible for their collision in Great Britain, Verstappen is for the one in Italy. And he defended to the limit, even beyond, in Brazil and then in Saudi Arabia, where he ended up being sanctioned. His aggressiveness has been, since his beginnings, both his strength and his Achilles heel. The way he manages it in the “money time” can make the difference.
The circuit: equality
The Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi has been, since the introduction of hybrid engines in 2014, a “Mercedes circuit”, with 6 wins and 6 pole positions for the Silver Arrows. But, last year, Verstappen created a surprise by winning pole and a success against a Hamilton, diminished by the Covid. An element of uncertainty has also been added this year. For the first time, the route has been changed. The track is now faster, which, on paper, should enhance the top speed of the Mercedes. But it’s also supposed to be more prone to overtaking, which would make qualifying less crucial and therefore do Red Bull’s business.